(Saint Paul, MN) The Saint Paul Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) expects big crowds to come to town for the Luis Palau Evangelical Festival, a Christian convention expected to draw 75,000 to the Capitol Mall August 7-8.

Palau's festivals combine a dose of musical entertainment and extreme sports demonstrations such as skateboarding and stunt bike riding with Biblical messages and upbeat sermons.

Palau has followers of all ages, but the festivals appeal primarily to teens, young adults and young families. In addition to the contemporary Christian music and extreme sports demonstrations, the Saint Paul festival will feature a sports zone with appearances by local professional athletes from the Minnesota Wild, Vikings and Twins including Torii Hunter, Corey Koskie and Matthew LeCroy. A children's area will feature Vegie Tales, face painting and other creative events. The music begins at about 5 pm, with Palau taking the stage to preach at 5 pm.

Many followers have become familiar with Palau through the 800 radio stations he preaches on or the 40 books he has written. He is popular throughout the world, especially in South America. A festival in his native Argentina attracted 300,000 followers. This year, there will be two Luis Palau festivals in the United States - a festival was held in Reno in June, and the festival in Saint Paul takes place Aug. 7-8.

The Twin Cities Festival is free and open to the public. It will be held on the State Capitol Grounds from 12 noon to 10 pm each day. Food vendors and free shuttles to area parking lots will be available both days. For more information on the Luis Palau Twin Cities Festival please visit www.twincitiesfestival.org. To learn about other events and attractions in the Saint Paul area or to make lodging reservations, please contact the Saint Paul Convention and Visitors Bureau at 800-627-6101 or visit www.visitstpaul.com.